FABIAN
Rejection stung more than I'd expected. I stared at the crumpled note in my hand, my father's elegant script clear and concise: "Request denied. All meetings will take place during designated Summit hours."
I'd spent three days drafting the request, carefully selecting each word to sound respectful yet urgent. Asking for a private meeting with Alpha West before the Alliance Summit seemed reasonable. Apparently not.
"Bad news?" Marcus asked, pausing by my office doorway.
I smoothed the paper against my desk. "Just another reminder that diplomacy has its limits."
"The Moonstone Alpha?"
"Stubborn as ever." I leaned back in my chair, considering my options. "He thinks I'll back down."
Marcus raised an eyebrow. "Will you?"
"Have you ever known me to?"
His lips quirked. "Never, Alpha."
"The Summit starts tomorrow. I'll have my conversation with West one way or another."
Marcus hesitated. "And if he refuses to speak with you there as well?"
